Class of 2013 shines at IASF event

By Shefali Manocha

July 2013

Class of 2013 with some of the IASF committee. (Photos: Shefali Manocha)

To highlight the class of 2013 and present scholarships to the merit worthy as well as financially needy, the nonprofit Indian American Scholarship Fund (IASF) hosted their 21st annual banquet at the Indian Cultural and Religious Center on June 2, 2013.

This year’s class was very accomplished. The highest SAT score was 2390, and 14 students scored higher than 2280 (99th percentile). In addition, every applicant scored at or above the national average of 1498. For the ACT, there were two perfect scores of 36, and 10 students scored above 34 (99th percentile). Five students were either Valedictorians or Salutatorians, and 24 students were in the top 5% of their class. Extracurricular activity included 22 students in the National Honors Society, one Presidential Scholar semifinalist, 10 National Merit finalists, a Davidson Fellow, and a Harvard Prize Book Award winner.

However, this class not only excelled in academics, but 11 lettered in varsity sports, and there was one Eagle Scout, one Gold Award Girl Scout, and seven in the Student Council. There was also significant volunteer and community service, including Habitat for Humanity and Beta Club.

Dr. Ritu Lothia organized the College Room, which included students from Georgia Tech, University of Georgia, and Emory. These college students helped answer any questions for the high school seniors before they enter college.

Deepak Raghavan presents the Raghavan Family 4-year Scholarship.

The banquet started with an introduction by Dr. Anuj Manocha, IASF chairman, who spoke about the history of the organization and introduced the committee: Ibrez Bandukwala, Akarsh Belagodu, Naveen Dittikavi, Sekhar Ghosh, Wab Kadaba, Rajesh Kurup, Ritu Lothia, Sangeeta Mayur, Deepa Muralidhar, and Anu Whitaker. Mr. Kaushal Tripathi, IACA president, presented each member of the graduating class with a gift. Finally, 22 scholarships were awarded, including three 4-year scholarships, two 2-year scholarships and six 1-year scholarships totaling over $35,000.

The banquet highlighted the strong support from the donors to the families and students of the class of 2013 who have financial need and merit achievement. To ask questions or make a donation, please contact Dr. Anuj Manocha at abmanocha@hotmail.com.

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